Cool concrete-block planter bench How to

Billie Hayman shows us her simple, but sturdy concrete block bench that transformed into a very cool place to grow flowers.

Billie Hayman’s now perfect display space

Newly planted with flowers meant to spill over the sides

Billie’s bench at the beginning

Twelve double cinder blocks make the base. Four blocks, two stacked for each of the two ‘arms.’  Six make up the seat and twelve blocks stack to form the back of Billie Hayman’s ‘comfy’ block bench.  Comfy for plants!  Thirty-four, 34, blocks in all.

Fill spaces with soil and plant.

A puff of sunny yellow Million bells grows in one opening

Tiny birdhouses and small terracotta pots accent the summer bloom

The back side of Billie’s bench in the second year

The back side of the bench makes a good background for more garden vignettes.  Billie says, “This wheelbarrow was underneath my weeping willow tree. It was getting lost. So I moved it behind my concrete bench to get some sun!”

Creeping Jenny spills over, creating a leafy spot to show off a vintage chippy watering can

Twinkle lights add a party atmosphere to her late Fall look

Billie’s bench at peak bloom

More on ‘our’ style garden benches:

New garden benches using old salvaged materials!

How to build simple garden benches for free

How to make a bench and planter from old bed frames